She wanted to leave quickly, but for a moment her mind was blank with anger, and she couldn't bring herself to move her legs.
It was a passing employee who noticed her unusual state and, concerned, came over to ask,
"Are… you okay?"
Catherine barely came back to herself.
"I'm fine, thank you…"
Then she lowered her head and rushed out.
At the elevator, she anxiously pressed the "down" button repeatedly, hoping the lift would arrive quickly.
Her thoughts were all on Renata. When the elevator finally came, she stepped in hastily, her eyes red, without noticing the person already inside.
As the elevator descended, more and more people got in. Catherine, distracted and flustered, forgot to step aside to make room, and was roughly jostled inward by the crowd. Losing her balance, she stumbled—only to feel a firm hand steady her at her waist.
Before her eyes was a man in a perfectly tailored light gray suit, the quality of the fabric hinting at his distinguished status.
